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The purpose of the ARK is to assist the English speaking communities of the Var in areas of Pastoral care where there may be need of compassionate help and personal support. Such instances would include bereavement, illness, stress and other difficulties where there may be limited physical or emotional resources to cope with the day to day problems that may arise in their lives. We work both independently and alongside other agencies who share a similar concern for the welfare and well being of the resident ex-patriot community in this part of France. The ARK is established as a French Association which has a similar status to a UK charity. It is guided by a steering group of professional and dedicated people who live and work in this part of France and share the concerns for the needs of the community. This work is endorsed and encouraged by the British Consulate in Marseilles, the Anglican Diocese in Europe and the British Association. The ARK seeks to be a “church” in the real sense of serving the community without qualification and sharing the gospel.
Take Care
March 24th Chateau de Berne
hosted by Ark Pastoral Care
TAKE CARE is an opportunity to reflect on our own, and others, care needs in the future. Most of us have come to spend the latter part of our lives here, but that decision inevitably has consequences which it is wise to at least think about.
This day is being supported and contributed to by the British Consulate, the British Association and by various local businesses including EJC Property Services, Mike Lorimer, Robert Kent, Currencies Direct. Several retired people will also share their own stories and experiences to highlight the need to think and plan ahead. Also attached is MAVIS'S STORY which illustrates how things can change quite quickly.
One of the main contributors will be CAP RETRAITE who are coming down from Paris to talk to us. They help assess an individual’s situation and their circumstances and then make the necessary recommendations about future care needs, either in the home or in residential care.
The day will run from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm / refreshments provided by Chateau de Berne are available. Topics we will be looking at are:-
Funding: home support, care home options, equity release , downsizing and how to get the best use out of your asset. Legal status and its implications on future care; Social and emotional implications, loss of a partner, bereavement and other related topics. Running Order for the Day
This affects us all and we need your support. If you wish to join us there is a booking form below which will help us plan the catering with Chateau de Berne. We look forward to hearing from you and hopefully seeing you on the 24th March.
The cost is a 5euro donation to The Ark to defer costs. We are arranging with the Chateau de Berne refreshments at lunch. If you would like to partake the cost will be an extra 5euros each.
We thank very much our sponsors listed above who are underwriting the day and making it possible to keep the costs so low. We appreciate your contribution to the day and the Ark.
We need to know numbers asap. Please phone 04.94.99.40.74 and give us your name, contact number and how many are coming to the day and how many are coming for lunch or email us on info@arkpastoralcare.org or click here for the email address to come up.
ARK IN THE PARK FETE
The ARK IN THE PARK FETE on 28th September was a ROARING success with over 50 people helping to raise funds for the wheelchair-enabled vehicle to help those who need to get out and get around. Over 4.500 euros was raised at the event at the Maison Des Peres in Lorgues.
Particular thanks to Fr Ken Letts, Archdeacon of France who came from Nice and Simon Taylor, British Consul who came from Marseilles to support us and to Anita Sicart who encouraged so many fabulous donations for the auction.
After an inspiring service in the chapel, all those who had come along to support this day headed out into the blazing sun to enjoy both the gardens of the Maison des Pères and lunch at the temporary “restaurant”
The day could not have happened without the considerable input of all who took part in it and special thanks to Simon Taylor from the consulate and Fr Ken Letts from Nice for fitting us into their diaries. Also thanks to Anita from the Var Village Voice who encouraged so many people to donate gifts for the auction, and to all of you who did the buying !! raising about € 4500 towards a wheelchair accessible vehicle. And thanks to all the OASIS team who did the lunch which was enjoyed by everyone and washed down by Lindsay Phillips wine. All in all a tremendous success in so many ways and an encouragement for both the work of the ARK and its crew as it sails on with its work in the community.
A very big thank you to all those who helped in the preparation, on the day, and who gave us their support. | 
